I find it very difficult to make any process with straight CBT, but I have been able to gradually use some CBT techniques when they were incorporated into other modalities. I agree that the relationship with the therapist is one of the most important things, but so is the therapist’s flexibility in regards to their approach, I find. I’ve probably gone around in circles often enough and it’s been incredibly challenging for me if my therapist gets very frustrated with me and my lack of progress during those times. The most helpful thing has been having them stick it out with me. If they weren’t able to hang in there with me and believe that they could help me to make it out the other side, then I don’t think I would have continued to make any progress.

I really don’t think there’s too much harm in trying something new. In your situation, I think I’d contact a few other therapists and briefly outline the situation. If I got any hopeful sounding responses, then I’d think about making an appointment. It is hard to give up a trusting relationship, but it might help if you talk about your concerns with your therapist before you consider leaving. And you could see if the door can be left open for you to come back if something else doesn’t work.